An exciting new initiative which aims to increase access to British independent and world cinema in areas where there is otherwise little or no provision, will bring the magic of the big screen to community venues in parts of Rhondda RCT, Ebbw Vale a Bridgend over the next six months (from February 2015), offering something for all members of the family.
Delivered in Wales by Zoom Cymru a Moviola, the project was developed by Canolfan Ffilm Cymru with funding secured from the British Film Institute’s (BFI) Neighbourhood Cinema Fund. The venues will screen twenty-four acclaimed new and classic films, spanning comedies, animation, drama and more.
The screenings started on Tuesday 24th February, including How to Train Your Dragon 2 a A Most Wanted Man, at Valleys Kids’ Soar Centre in Penygraig and the Ebbw Vale Institute respectively. Other venues including Valleys Kids at Penyrenglyn, Rhydefelin, and The Factory in Porth are participating. Maesteg Town Hall in Bridgend is also offering an extra special film and tea dance event called Strictly Cinema.
With a film showing in each community venue every month, moviegoers can plan to see BAFTA-winning and much-applauded Pride, which is set in Wales during the Miners’ strike, and the 2014 British adaptation of bear-favourite, Paddington. Movies such as Imitation Game, Mr Turner a What We Did on Our Holiday will also feature, broadening choice for community audiences across the area.
Film Hub Wales are proud to develop this new and exciting project in partnership with Zoom Cymru – rural and community venues have an important and active part to play in the landscape of independent cinema in Wales as the often bridge a gap for audiences particularly where transport links are poor, where ticket prices are unaffordable or where nearby independent cinemas have been forced to close. Valleys cinema allows us to work with four new venues and see how the project develops cinema audiences across areas of South Wales.
Moviola will provide equipment to screen the films and content will come from their vast film catalogue. They already have a relationship with over 20 existing venues in South and Mid Wales through their film booking and advice service. Longer-term, the pilot scheme is hoping to be successful enough to set up a regular film programme or access to a diverse year-round cultural programme in each area.
